Extracellular vesicles: a promising cell-free therapy for cartilage repair

Abstract

Few effective therapies for cartilage repair have been found as cartilage has a low regenerative capacity. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, are produced by cells and contain bioactive components such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and other metabolites that have potential for treating cartilage injuries. Challenges like the difficulty in standardizing targeted therapy have prevented EVs from being used frequently as a treatment option. In this review we present current studies, mechanisms and delivery strategies of EVs. Additionally, we describe the challenges and future directions of EVs as therapeutic agents for cartilage repair.

Keywords

• cartilage repair
• chondrocyte
• exosomes
• extracellular vesicles
• stem cell
• therapeutic strategies